Girl Doing Well After Smile Surgery

A 7-year-old girl who underwent surgery to allow her to smile will be home for Christmas.

Chelsey Thomas, her face slightly swollen after Friday’s 11-hour surgery, was expected to be released by Friday from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Dr. Avron Daniller said Wednesday.

Chelsey, who lives in Palmdale, was born with a rare neurological disorder that prevents her from smiling.

Surgeons transplanted a nerve from Chelsey’s thigh into the left side of her face, connecting it to the muscle responsible for smiling.